Just as the ceremony began, Principal Lynn Fields made sure to capture the moment with a bit of fun, by taking a selfie from the stage with the entire class in the background.

Advertisement

Later in the evening, valedictorian Nikhil Kandpal told his classmates to embrace change and always be open to new experiences in life.

“High school has truly been a bonding experience,” he said, “and I can personally say I’ve met people I hope to be friends with for the rest of my life. I’m sure all of you can say the same thing as well. And that’s why it seems so unfair that it’s time for us to move on. Whether the next step be college, work or travel. But if there’s one thing that Wissahickon has done for us, it has shown us to welcome change as an opportunity to expand horizons. And so I implore all of you to welcome this next step of our lives, wherever you go to make Wissahickon proud.”

Salutatorian Keith Oliphant told the class there is no such thing as a loser in life.

“Just remember, if you fail, it doesn’t make you a loser,” he said. “Because none of us are losers. Nor will we ever be because our time at Wissahickon and the people who helped us have made us all winners.”

Oliphant gave special thanks to his football coach and history teacher Lawrence Cannon, who he said was his “best friend and a father figure.”

Afterwards, school district Superintendent Judith Clark told the class that “commencement is always an occasion of joy, pride and happiness.”

“However rarely in my career have I had as many reasons to be proud of a graduating class,” she said. “After you graduate this evening you will become alumni of the Wissahickon School District. I hope that you will remember us as fondly as we will remember you.”

Clark challenged the class to never give up, despite whatever failures they may encounter along the way.

“In the end, the finest moments in life aren’t necessarily those in which you finish first,” she said. “But instead the times where you know you simply gave it your best, picked yourself up and kept on going. Class of 2014, this is your time, this is your moment. In closing I challenge each of you to realize life is a gift not to be taken for granted. And if you fall sometimes, remember to get up, finish and always give it your best.”

Fields closed out the speeches by telling the class “perfection does not make a person.”

“Pursuing your passion is made by the spark that keeps you happy,”she said. “That not even the harshest critic can extinguish. This I believe.”

Fields then read from the Marianne Richmond children’s book “I Believe in You,” before finishing by saying, “On behalf of the administration and staff, to the class of 2014, we believe in you and wish you the very best as you navigate the next successful road of your lives. You have made us proud.”